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In the 15-month MS-CMR program, students learn how to anticipate conflict, engage with conflict actors constructively, and develop effective approaches to navigating the intra-societal conflicts that we're all experiencing. The MS-CMR program is offered in a more flexible modality, including hybrid, remote, and in-person sections of required courses. Please visit this page for more information.
If you believe as we do, that in every great challenge, there is great opportunity to learn, to discover and to achieve the highest vision we hold for ourselves and each other, then we encourage you to join us.
You can learn more about how the MS-CMR program at USD-Kroc prepares students for success in our article, The Kroc School Has a Top-Ranked Conflict Resolution Degree in the Nation – Here's Why.
Spring 2026 Application Deadlines
Fall 2026 Application Deadlines
Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, with most applicants hearing back within a few weeks of submitting a complete application. The next review deadline is the 19th of each month. Merit award applications are sent only to admitted students, so apply early if you plan to request merit-based financial aid.
Application process
We consider a number of factors that allow us to assess how applicants will contribute to creating a diverse and inclusive community, which is essential to the excellence of a world-class school of peace studies. As part of our mission, we cultivate a community that reflects the full range of the human experience, such as age, race, ethnicity, gender expression, identity, language, different abilities, learning style, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic status, status as a veteran, and political and worldviews.
Each applicant is evaluated using a holistic review, and students are selected on the basis of grades, experience, exam scores (if submitted), recommendations, and essay responses to provided prompts. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required for admission. Applicants with undergraduate degrees of all majors are encouraged to apply; success is not determined by the undergraduate degree because the MS-CMR program is multidisciplinary and practice-based.
Application checklist
The MS-CMR program does not require specific coursework, experience or standardized admission tests (like the GRE) for admission.
For more information about the Kroc School's MS-CMR program, visit MS-CMR FAQs.
Official (degree-granting) transcripts
Must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admission:
Office of Graduate Admission
University of San Diego
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110-2492
grads@sandiego.edu
Applicants must have a 3.0 (on 4.00 scale) average in all undergraduate coursework. If you earned a degree from an institution outside the United States, you are required to submit an official international transcript evaluation (also called a foreign credential evaluation) as part of your application. Please note that the evaluation must be a course-by-course evaluation. You must order your official course-by-course evaluation from one of the following evaluation services.
- World Education Services, Inc. (WES)
- Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)
- International Education Research Foundation, Inc. (IERF)
- Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. (JSA)
- SpanTran: The Evaluation Company (SpanTran)
- Foreign Academic Credential Service (FACS)
Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
Should include all relevant education and employment information to help the Admissions team make an informed decision.
Two letters of recommendation
Two letters (2) of recommendation are required. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your capabilities (academic, professional, personal all welcome). In case of a GPA of 3.3 or lower, it is recommended to provide at least one academic reference. Alternatively, you can add a paragraph to the personal statement explaining why you think you could successfully complete the program.
3 Essay Response
Help us understand who you are and what motivates you in acquiring this Master of Science in Conflict Management and Resolution. Reflect on your experiences and expectations for the future as you address the prompts below.
- Why did you decide to study conflict management and resolution at this particular juncture of your career?
- What do you expect to gain in this program?
- Provide an instance where you faced conflict. What key lessons did you draw from this experience?
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
International students only
Mandatory for all applicants educated outside the United States whose primary language is not English. The test can be waived if English is your primary language or you have obtained a bachelor's degree from the U.S., Great Britain, Canada or Australia. Other exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
Minimum scores
- TOEFL: 90 total
- 24 for speaking
- 25 for writing
- IELTS: 7 total
- 7 listening
- 7.5 speaking
OR
An official score report from the Duolingo English Test with a score of 120 or better.
USD admission quick links
Questions?
Connect with the Kroc School's admissions team to learn more about our degree programs